RHEL 10 for DevOps: Tools & Automation Features

What is RHEL 10 and Why is it Important for DevOps?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10 is the latest enterprise-grade operating system from Red Hat, designed to provide a secure, stable, and scalable platform for modern IT operations. In the world of DevOps, where agility, automation, and scalability are critical, RHEL 10 plays a transformative role. It combines the reliability of Red Hat’s enterprise ecosystem with advanced automation features, cloud-native integrations, and security enhancements that support seamless DevOps adoption.

Understanding RHEL 10 in the DevOps Landscape

RHEL 10 provides DevOps teams with an optimized environment for CI/CD pipelines, containerized workloads, and automation workflows. It integrates deeply with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, allowing teams to manage hybrid and multi-cloud deployments efficiently. With native support for Ansible, Podman, and system roles, RHEL 10 reduces the complexity of managing infrastructure while enabling a smoother DevOps culture.

Why DevOps Engineers Should Learn RHEL 10

DevOps professionals should prioritize learning RHEL 10 because of its enterprise dominance and its role as a trusted OS across industries. Many organizations rely on RHEL as the foundation of their production environments. For engineers, mastering RHEL 10 means gaining skills in automation, containerization, and cloud readiness—all of which are essential in modern DevOps practices.

How Does RHEL 10 Support DevOps Tools and Automation?

RHEL 10 is purpose-built for automation and DevOps. It integrates with both native and third-party tools, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for automating repetitive tasks, provisioning infrastructure, and managing containers.

Native Automation with Ansible

RHEL 10 comes with Ansible automation capabilities that allow engineers to configure servers, deploy applications, and orchestrate IT workflows with simple playbooks. System roles in Ansible reduce manual errors and provide a consistent automation approach across the infrastructure.

Containerization with Podman

Unlike Docker, RHEL 10 promotes Podman for managing containers in a rootless and secure manner. Podman integrates directly with Kubernetes, enabling DevOps teams to build, run, and deploy containerized applications without the need for a daemon.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

RHEL 10 provides native support for popular CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, and GitHub Actions. With its stability and container-native approach, it allows DevOps teams to integrate automated build, test, and deployment workflows seamlessly.

Which RHEL 10 Features are Most Relevant for DevOps Engineers?

RHEL 10 introduces several new features that directly impact the DevOps lifecycle, from development to deployment. Engineers benefit from enhanced automation, scalability, and security tools that reduce manual intervention and accelerate time-to-market.

System Roles for Automation

System roles in RHEL 10 provide pre-built Ansible modules for tasks like network configuration, firewall management, storage provisioning, and time synchronization. This eliminates repetitive manual work and promotes consistency across systems.

Enhanced Kernel and Performance

With an improved Linux kernel, RHEL 10 enhances performance for containers and virtualized environments. DevOps engineers working on high-availability systems and microservices gain significant efficiency improvements.

Built-in Cloud-Native Tools

RHEL 10 ships with pre-integrated tools for Kubernetes and OpenShift, ensuring DevOps teams can deploy applications on container orchestration platforms without compatibility issues. This makes it a preferred choice for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Why Choose RHEL 10 Over Other Linux Distributions for DevOps?

While other Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Debian are widely used, RHEL 10 holds a distinct edge in enterprise DevOps adoption. Its long-term support, security certifications, and integration with Red Hat’s automation and container ecosystem make it a strong choice for organizations prioritizing reliability.

Enterprise Support and Stability

Red Hat offers up to 10 years of support for RHEL 10, providing enterprises with confidence in its longevity. For DevOps teams, this means they can build solutions on a stable and reliable operating system without worrying about frequent disruptions.

Security and Compliance

RHEL 10 includes SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux), FIPS compliance, and vulnerability management tools, ensuring that DevOps pipelines remain secure while adhering to regulatory standards. This makes it a top choice for industries like banking, healthcare, and government.

Integration with Red Hat Ecosystem

RHEL 10 integrates seamlessly with OpenShift, Red Hat Satellite, and Ansible Automation Platform, making it the centerpiece of Red Hat’s DevOps ecosystem. This deep integration ensures smoother deployments and improved collaboration across teams.

Informative Table: RHEL 10 DevOps Tools Comparison

What Are the Key Automation Practices in RHEL 10 for DevOps?

Automation is the heart of DevOps, and RHEL 10 enhances automation practices with its integrated features and compatibility with industry-standard tools. These practices accelerate deployments, reduce downtime, and improve system resilience.

Automating Infrastructure Provisioning

Using Ansible and system roles, DevOps teams can automatically configure networks, firewalls, and storage systems. This eliminates manual provisioning and ensures consistency across different environments.

Configuration Management

RHEL 10 enables configuration management through pre-defined Ansible playbooks and system roles. Engineers can define desired system states and automatically enforce them across hundreds of servers with minimal effort.

Automated Security Updates

With automated patching and security updates, RHEL 10 ensures systems remain protected without requiring manual intervention. This reduces vulnerabilities and strengthens overall DevOps workflows.

How to Integrate CI/CD Pipelines in RHEL 10?

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines are at the core of DevOps automation. RHEL 10 provides a robust environment for creating, managing, and scaling these pipelines.

Setting up Jenkins on RHEL 10

Jenkins can be easily deployed on RHEL 10 servers. Once configured, it integrates with Git, Docker, and Podman to automate build and deployment processes for applications in various environments.

Using GitLab CI/CD with RHEL 10

RHEL 10 supports GitLab runners that enable automated build and deployment workflows. With Podman containers, teams can test and deploy applications without needing privileged daemons, improving both efficiency and security.

Integrating with Kubernetes Pipelines

For containerized workloads, RHEL 10 integrates directly with Kubernetes pipelines, enabling DevOps teams to push updates to microservices and orchestrate deployments seamlessly across hybrid and multi-cloud platforms.

What Are the Security Enhancements in RHEL 10 for DevOps?

Security is critical in DevOps, and RHEL 10 introduces several enhancements to strengthen pipelines and production systems. These improvements safeguard applications, infrastructure, and sensitive data from vulnerabilities and breaches.

Enhanced SELinux Policies

RHEL 10 includes updated SELinux policies that provide granular access controls and prevent privilege escalation. This ensures applications run in controlled environments, reducing the risk of system compromise.

Automated Compliance Checks

RHEL 10 integrates compliance profiles that automatically check systems against industry standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001. DevOps teams can ensure compliance is continuously monitored and enforced.

Improved Identity and Access Management

With better integration of identity providers and multi-factor authentication (MFA), RHEL 10 enhances access control for DevOps pipelines and infrastructure management, safeguarding critical operations.

Conclusion

RHEL 10 stands as a powerful platform for DevOps professionals, combining automation, security, and scalability into one enterprise-ready solution. Its integration with Ansible, Podman, and system roles reduces complexity, while its compatibility with CI/CD tools enhances productivity. For organizations, adopting RHEL 10 ensures they have a secure, reliable, and future-ready operating system that supports modern DevOps workflows. Whether it’s building automated pipelines, orchestrating containers, or enforcing compliance, RHEL 10 provides everything DevOps engineers need to accelerate innovation while maintaining enterprise stability. With its advanced features and Red Hat ecosystem, RHEL 10 continues to be the top choice for enterprises embracing DevOps in 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes RHEL 10 suitable for DevOps compared to earlier versions?

RHEL 10 introduces enhanced system roles, deeper integration with Ansible, and rootless Podman containers. These features streamline automation and container management, making it more suitable for DevOps compared to older releases.

Can I use Docker instead of Podman on RHEL 10?

While Docker can be installed, RHEL 10 officially promotes Podman as the preferred container management tool. Podman’s rootless mode enhances security, making it better suited for enterprise DevOps pipelines.

Does RHEL 10 integrate with cloud services for DevOps workflows?

Yes, RHEL 10 integrates seamlessly with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It supports hybrid cloud deployments and provides tools for managing cloud-native workloads using Kubernetes and OpenShift.

How does RHEL 10 handle automation in infrastructure provisioning?

RHEL 10 uses Ansible system roles for provisioning tasks such as networking, storage, and firewall configurations. This reduces manual errors and allows for automated, repeatable infrastructure deployment.

Is RHEL 10 compatible with Jenkins pipelines?

Yes, RHEL 10 is fully compatible with Jenkins. DevOps teams can use it to automate builds, tests, and deployments across development and production environments efficiently.

What role does SELinux play in DevOps security with RHEL 10?

SELinux provides mandatory access controls that secure containers, pipelines, and applications. It reduces attack surfaces and prevents unauthorized access, ensuring stronger DevOps security.

Can DevOps engineers use GitLab CI/CD with RHEL 10?

Yes, RHEL 10 supports GitLab runners, enabling automated build and deployment workflows. It integrates well with containerized environments using Podman and Kubernetes.

Does RHEL 10 provide compliance automation?

Yes, RHEL 10 offers compliance automation profiles for PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO standards. DevOps teams can run automated compliance scans to ensure adherence to industry regulations.

How does Podman improve DevOps workflows in RHEL 10?

Podman offers rootless containers, daemonless architecture, and Kubernetes compatibility. These features improve security, reduce overhead, and streamline container orchestration for DevOps teams.

What are RHEL 10 system roles in automation?

System roles are pre-built Ansible modules that automate tasks like networking, firewall configuration, and storage management. They simplify automation and improve consistency across environments.

Is RHEL 10 a good choice for hybrid cloud DevOps?

Yes, RHEL 10’s built-in support for cloud-native tools and integrations with major cloud providers makes it an excellent choice for hybrid and multi-cloud DevOps environments.

Does RHEL 10 support Kubernetes natively?

RHEL 10 is designed with Kubernetes and OpenShift in mind. It provides native support for container orchestration, allowing DevOps teams to deploy applications at scale.

How long will RHEL 10 receive support from Red Hat?

RHEL 10 offers up to 10 years of enterprise support. This long-term stability makes it ideal for enterprises running mission-critical DevOps pipelines.

Can I run CI/CD pipelines using only RHEL 10 tools?

Yes, with Podman, Ansible, and system roles, DevOps teams can build basic CI/CD pipelines. However, integrating with Jenkins or GitLab provides more advanced automation features.

What automation benefits do DevOps engineers gain with RHEL 10?

Engineers gain streamlined provisioning, configuration management, and container orchestration. These reduce downtime, accelerate deployments, and improve DevOps efficiency significantly.

Is RHEL 10 better for DevOps than Ubuntu?

RHEL 10 provides enterprise-grade support, SELinux security, and Red Hat ecosystem integration. While Ubuntu is popular in open-source communities, RHEL 10 is better suited for enterprise DevOps pipelines.

How does RHEL 10 simplify container deployment?

RHEL 10 integrates Podman and Kubernetes, providing a consistent workflow for building, running, and deploying containers. This simplifies container lifecycle management for DevOps teams.

Does RHEL 10 require additional tools for automation?

No, RHEL 10 includes Ansible, Podman, and system roles natively. However, integrating with external tools like Jenkins or GitLab can enhance automation capabilities.

What security benefits does RHEL 10 bring to DevOps teams?

RHEL 10 offers SELinux, compliance automation, and identity management integrations. These features protect DevOps pipelines against vulnerabilities and enforce regulatory compliance effectively.